Diary of a Slavepup

As IPC International Puppy 2013, I've traveled extensively advocating for pups, helping organize our community, and gaining visibility for pup play and kinksters everywhere. My diary is a summation of me and my experiences out and about with the hope that those who are pursuing their own kink interests will find some practical information they can interpret for use in their own communities.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Hey pups

With competition season upon us, I am reposting my 10 tips to competitors. I hope to see many of you at IPC this year.

WOOF

AXEL’S 10 TIPS FOR
HEALTHY, HAPPY COMPETING

1. Have
a cutthroat competitive instinct?Leave
it at home.

Let’s face it: we are a sub-group
of a sub-group of a sub-group.This is
not IML, nor are you vying for Miss America.Compete for the chance to meet other pups,
challenge yourself, and represent your community.If you are “in it to win it” you are
implicitly saying that the pup world can’t survive without you.It can.Besides, the friends you make will last a lot longer than any title.

2. Make
sure you want this.

Titleholders have a substantial
responsibility.It will largely be up to
you to make the year what you want it to be.Ask yourself: Do I have the time and funds to put into this right
now?Do I want to spend my pup events volunteering,
selling, and helping other pups, rather than moshing, socializing, and getting
off?Am I comfortable going
person-to-person selling raffle tickets, drink specials, and merchandise to
support various organizations and my travel fund?The answer needs to be Yes, Yes, Yes!

3. Learn
and review your puppy fundamentals.

Even after a year of record organizing for
pups, much of the kink and leather community doesn’t know much about us.Your judges may have minimal knowledge of pup
play.They want to understand and you
have to tell them.Do you know the
physical and mental health risks of pup play and how to mitigate them?Are you aware of the many different types of
pups: submissives, pack animals, alphas, gear pups, and so on and can you speak
for them?The starting reference point
is Woof! Perspectives into the Erotic
Care and Training of the Human Dog (Boner Books), but that is only a
start.Do your research!

4. Remember:
this is a fetish.

Despite all the lovely squirrels, dog
catchers, squeaky toys, and new bedazzled collars, most of us first found pup
play as simply erotic.Likewise, you
will have to share a little bit of your sexuality during the competition, as
you feel comfortable.The good news is
that there is no “right” answer here.Earnestly
consider why you got into pup play, what kind of play is hot to you, and don’t
be afraid to share some of that both during your interview and onstage through
your pup behavior.It can be really
empowering.

5. Recognize
your strengths and celebrate them.

I love being a pup because as a pup I am totally
free to be my kinky, twisted, crazy self.Whether you are an alpha or omega, whether you love moshes or serving,
whether you identify with a breed or are just a guy who likes to get
animalistic with other guys, whether you are young or old, chubby, skinny,
muscular, aggressive, shy, male, female, straight, gay, bi, trans, white, pink, or
purple, you are valuable to our community.We do not and should not all act the same way.Be an original, on and off stage!

6. Sobriety
or no: think about it.

I strongly consider the use of mind-altering
substances (including alcohol and cigarettes) to be a matter of personal choice.That being said, I do not recommend doing
anything of the sort before a competition.Firstly, many people don’t realize how physically demanding pup play
is.Would you go for a run or lift
weights drunk?Secondly, your
competition will likely last 3+ hours.Your buzz will wear off by the end and you will become either lethargic,
or cranky, or both: HOT!Finally, you
may do something inappropriate on stage that would embarrass yourself and your
community.Ask yourself: How much pup
pride do I really have if I can only
pup out under the influence?

7. Be a
player on your own time.

We are a sex-positive community; however, pup
titles are not players’ titles.You do not need to do anything shameless,
unsafe, or slutty to be an excellent competitor, and you should not.

8. Consider
your gear.

This is easier for those of us who are more
fetish-y, of course.I could spend hours
– or days – perusing and selecting gear!But, more practically, you will have
to present yourself onstage and your look will
have an impact on the judges.I do
not recommend buying a bunch of new stuff, nor do I recommend “hiding” yourself
behind your gear.Rather, choose gear that
amplifies your pup-sonality, show your knowledge of safety through appropriate kneepads,
etc., and make sure your stuff is clean and well fitting.If you should wear hot boots or sneakers, I
thank you in advance for the boner I’m going to pop.

9 9. Get
to know the event organizers and ask questions.

Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you during the competition.You may be surprised to find out that you
have other obligations besides simply competing.You may book travel home on Sunday morning
and not realize there is a ”Victory Brunch” scheduled into the afternoon!Give yourself a generous amount of time to
gear up for every event and take it easy between events.Most importantly, never hesitate to ask
specific questions before, during, and even after the competition.If you go in feeling prepared, you will be
more relaxed and…

10. Have
fun!

Win or lose, remember: this is about having
FUN!Although we all want to do our
best, we also have limitations, insecurities, and health needs that must be
respected.Do not do anything that makes
you uncomfortable.Do not do anything
that you don’t feel physically or emotionally ready to do.If you are worrying more than you are
laughing, you aren’t competing right.Remember: you are doing this for yourself and your community.Good luck to all of this year’s competitors.You make us all proud!

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About Me

Slavepup Axel is
International Puppy 2013, the first pup to win the title since the organization
was created in 2011. He is a mutt identifying as equal parts: American bulldog,
submissive, and butthead. He has appeared in 20 states, 2 provinces, and
in media, performing demonstrations, fundraising for new pup groups and
HIV/AIDS charities, representing International Puppy Competition (IPC), and
advocating for pups and the healing possibilities of BDSM and kinksex.